Pubdate: Thu, 07 Apr 2005
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com.my
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922
Author: Sim Leoi Leoi
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DR M: SEX AND DRUGS ARE MAIN WORRIES

PUTRAJAYA: Drug abuse and sex crimes are the main problems afflicting Malay 
youths and there is a need to focus on finding solutions for these issues.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave his opinion on the 
problems plaguing Malays in the country in an hour-long meeting with 
members of Umno Youth at his office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation 
yesterday.

"They asked to speak to me and I gave them my opinions and why there is 
this need for us to focus on resolving these issues among the Malay 
youths," he told reporters later.

Dr Mahathir said he fully supported the decision taken by the wing to 
establish a Putera Umno bureau in order to "catch" Malay youths and keep 
them away from these problems.

On the matter of corruption, such as money politics in Umno, Dr Mahathir 
said the Government was already doing its best to tackle the problem.

Umno Youth exco member Azizul Nizam Bidin, who is also the chairman of the 
wing's culture, arts and heritage bureau, said Dr Mahathir had advised them 
to wage war against corrupt practices among themselves first before 
tackling the problem at party level.

"We had expressed concerns about money politics in the party," he said.

"Dr Mahathir also stressed the need for Malays to be independent and to be 
true to our values. We also have to be positive in our outlook," he said, 
adding that the meeting was part of the bureau's yearly activities.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom